Convertible Mattress

ABSTRACT

A convertible mattress includes a primary mattress component, an upper mattress component located adjacent to the primary mattress component, a top mattress layer located adjacent to the upper mattress component; the primary mattress component having a mattress length, a mattress width, and a mattress depth; wherein the primary mattress component forms a mattress notch extending into the mattress depth, the mattress notch extending at least a portion of the mattress length and structured and disposed for providing a hinged axis about which the primary mattress component may be folded; and wherein the hinged axis allows the convertible mattress to be folded at a selected angle with limited bunching or compression of the convertible mattress. The mattress notch may extend along all or a portion of the length or the width of the primary mattress component and provides a pivot axis about which the primary mattress component may be folded.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/328,885 filed Apr. 8, 2022, entitled “CONVERTIBLE MATTRESS”, and which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a convertible mattress and, more particularly, to a mattress that converts from a mattress to a sofa, futon, or couch cushion by folding along an axis. A convertible mattress may include a mattress notch along an axis, permitting the mattress to be utilized in a flat or folded configuration with limited bunching or compression of the mattress material at the fold axis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mattresses are widely used to provide a soft, cushioned surface on which an individual may sleep or repose. In certain configurations, a mattress that is composed of a single flat component may be folded upon itself and placed against the frame of a sofa frame and/or futon sofa frame such that the mattress provides the cushioned seating surface for the sofa. The mattress can then be laid flat again for use as a sleeping surface.

Such foldable and futon mattresses may typically be used in instances where space is a concern and an individual desires to have a single piece of furniture function as both a sofa and a bed. This concern is particularly acute for individuals residing in relatively small living spaces, such as those living in apartments, student housing, or tiny homes, or in situations where individuals desire to store their bedding when not in use. Similarly, many people desire to have furniture and mattresses for use with house guests, where the furniture or mattress is capable of converting to more compact, stowable configurations when not in use.

One issue, however, with such mattresses is that when used in a sofa configuration, the curved nature of these mattresses provides an unnatural shape for a user's back when seated. For example, a normal sofa configuration would include a bottom cushion positioned along a horizontal plane and a back cushion positioned along a vertical plane where the bottom cushion and back cushion typically meet, forming a substantially right angle or an alternatively desired obtuse angle that allows an individual to lean back while seated.

Similarly, foldable futon mattresses are generally composed of a relatively soft, foldable material that allows the futon mattress to be easily folded to fit a sofa frame or futon mattress frame when used in a sofa configuration. Because of these required properties, most standard, non-futon mattresses are not well suited for use in a sofa or futon sofa configuration because their relative rigidity and firmness prevents them from being folded for use with a sofa frame or futon frame in the sofa configuration. Likewise, by virtue of their foldable nature, many foldable or futon mattresses fail to provide the rigidity and firmness desirable in a standard mattress.

Therefore, there exists the need for a mattress that is capable of functioning as both a standard mattress in a flat, horizontal configuration and as a folding mattress for use in a sofa configuration, without sacrificing the beneficial qualities of either of these configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one form of this invention, there is provided a convertible mattress including a primary mattress component having a mattress length, a mattress width, and a mattress depth; wherein the primary mattress component includes a mattress notch extending into the depth of the primary mattress component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible mattress, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a profile view of a convertible mattress in a folded configuration, in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a convertible mattress, in accordance with one embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a profile view of a convertible mattress, in accordance with one embodiment.

Like reference numerals refer to like reference parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the several views of the drawings, the convertible mattress 100 is shown and described herein.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the convertible mattress 100 is shown in which the primary mattress component 102 includes two individual mattress sections 112 separated by a mattress notch 110. In one embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be formed at an angle orthogonal to the lengthwise plane of the primary mattress component 102. In another embodiment, the mattress notch 110 is formed at an offset angle that is non-orthogonal to the lengthwise plane of the primary mattress component 102.

According to one embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be of a depth of approximately two inches to approximately three inches into the total depth (or height) of the primary mattress component 102. In another embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be of a depth of approximately twenty-five percent to approximately fifty percent of the total depth (or height) of the primary mattress component 102. In yet another embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be of a depth equal to the height of the primary mattress component 102, thus separating the mattress sections 112 from one another. In another embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be of a depth that is approximately equal to the height of the primary mattress component 102, thus leaving a small amount of the primary mattress component 102 material connecting the mattress sections 112. According to one embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be of a width such that the mattress sections 112 are in contact with one another when the convertible mattress 100 is in an unfolded configuration.

According to one embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be located at a midpoint along either the length or the width of the primary mattress component 102 such that the mattress sections 112 are of substantially equal size. In another embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may be located at a non-midpoint location along either the length or the width of the primary mattress component 102, such that the mattress notch 110 and the mattress sections 112 may be sizably adapted and located to fit a specific sofa frame, a specific futon frame, or otherwise fit a desired size arrangement or configuration. In such an embodiment, the two mattress sections 112 may be of different sizes and dimensions.

According to one embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may extend along the entire length or the entire width of the primary mattress component 102. According to another embodiment, the mattress notch 110 may extend along only a portion of the length or width of the primary mattress component 102. In another embodiment, there may be multiple mattress notches 110 that extend along portions of the length and/or the width of the primary mattress component 102.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , the mattress notch 110 allows for the mattress sections 112 to be arranged at, for example, a substantially right angle or a specifically desired angle for use alone as a sofa, with a sofa frame, or with a sofa futon frame. Such a configuration places one mattress section 112 in a substantially horizontal position and one mattress section 112 in a substantially vertical position. Alternatively, the design may be configured to place one mattress section 112 in a substantially horizontal position for providing a seating surface and one mattress section 112 at a specifically desired angle to provide a back support surface relative to the seating surface.

According to one embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the convertible mattress 100 includes a primary mattress component 102, an upper mattress component 104 located adjacent to the primary mattress component, a top mattress layer 106 located adjacent to the upper mattress component 104, and a mattress cover 108 that surrounds these components.

It will be appreciated, however, by one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of the convertible mattress 100 may exclude the top mattress layer 106 and/or the upper mattress component 104, such that only the primary mattress component 102 is present with or without the mattress cover 108.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , a convertible mattress 100 is shown in the folded position, suitable for an individual's use as a seating apparatus with, for example, a sofa frame, futon sofa frame, or as a standalone seating apparatus. In this embodiment, one mattress section 112 is in a substantially horizontal position and the other mattress section 112 is in a substantially vertical position. The mattress notch 110 provides a hinge axis about which the mattress sections 112 may pivot. This hinged axis allows the convertible mattress 100 to be folded at a substantially right angle or a similarly desired angle without causing a curved or rounded surface at the juncture of the mattress sections 112. Similarly, the hinged axis allows the convertible mattress 100 to be folded at a substantially right angle or other similarly desired angle with limited bunching or compression of the convertible mattress 100 material at the juncture of the mattress sections 112. This configuration provides a clean, neat area at the hinge point between the mattress sections 112 when the mattress is in a folded position.

According to one embodiment, the hinged axis allows the convertible mattress 100 to be folded at an individual's desired angle with limited bunching or compression of the convertible mattress 100 material at the juncture of the mattress sections 112. This configuration provides a clean, neat area at the convertible mattress 100 hinge point when the mattress is in a folded position.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the convertible mattress 100 is shown in a top view and a profile view, respectively, in its unfolded configuration, wherein the convertible mattress 100 operates as a standard mattress, allowing an individual to sleep or repose horizontally on the surface of convertible mattress 100.

As shown in FIG. 4 , when convertible mattress 100 is in its unfolded configuration, the mattress sections 112 may be in direct contact with one another, thus administering resistive force against one another to provide a firm surface substantially comparable to that of a standard mattress, i.e., a mattress lacking the mattress notch 110.

According to one embodiment, mattress cover 108 may encase the primary mattress component 102. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which multiple layers are included, the mattress cover 108 may encase the primary mattress component 102, upper mattress component 104, and/or top mattress layer 106.

It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the primary mattress component 102 (and thus the mattress sections 112), upper mattress component 104, and top mattress layer 106 may be composed of memory foam, high loft foam, a spring framework, rubber, air, water, and/or similar materials. It will be further appreciated that a combination of materials of varying thicknesses and densities may be employed for each of the described layers and components.

According to one embodiment, the top mattress layer 106 may be composed of a fireproof lining material, either partially or in whole.

According to one embodiment, the specific layers (i.e., primary mattress component 102, upper mattress component 104, and top mattress layer 106) of the convertible mattress 100 may be detachably coupled to one another via hook and loop fasteners, snaps, straps, or other similar attachment means, whereby a user may detach and rearrange the layers to form a customizable layering system of the convertible mattress 100.

While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with several preferred and practical embodiments, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. For brevity and/or clarity, well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail herein.

The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Similarly, examples are provided herein solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit the subject innovation or portion thereof in any manner.

The terms “for example” and “such as” mean “by way of example and not of limitation.” The subject matter described herein is provided by way of illustration for the purposes of teaching, suggesting, and describing, and not limiting or restricting. Combinations and alternatives to the illustrated embodiments are contemplated, described herein, and set forth in the claims.

For convenience of discussion herein, when there is more than one of a component, that component may be referred to herein either collectively or singularly by the singular reference numeral unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, components N (plural) or component N (singular) may be used unless a specific component is intended. Also, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof unless explicitly stated otherwise or the context clearly requires otherwise. The terms “includes,” “has” or “having” or variations in form thereof are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprises” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, it can be directly connected or coupled or coupled by one or more intervening components unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y unless expressly stated otherwise or the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Terms such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially” are relative terms and indicate that, although two values may not be identical, their difference is such that the apparatus or method still provides the indicated or desired result, or that the operation of a device or method is not adversely affected to the point where it cannot perform its intended purpose. As an example, and not as a limitation, if a height of “approximately X inches” is recited, a lower or higher height is still “approximately X inches” if the desired function can still be performed or the desired result can still be achieved.

While the terms vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, bottom, top, and the like may be used herein, it is to be understood that these terms are used for ease in referencing the drawing and, unless otherwise indicated or required by context, does not denote a required orientation.

The different advantages and benefits disclosed and/or provided by the implementation(s) disclosed herein may be used individually or in combination with one, some or possibly even all of the other benefits. Furthermore, not every implementation, nor every component of an implementation, is necessarily required to obtain, or necessarily required to provide, one or more of the advantages and benefits of the implementation.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can”, “could”, “might”, or “may”, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments preferably or optionally include certain features, elements and/or steps, while some other embodiments optionally do not include those certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language indicates, in general, that those features, elements and/or step may not be required for every implementation or embodiment.

The subject matter described herein is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the nature and scope of the subject invention. While examples of aspects of the subject invention have been provided above, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for implementing the subject invention, and one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that further combinations and permutations of the subject invention are possible. Furthermore, the subject invention is not necessarily limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages which may have been noted in any part of this disclosure. Various modifications and changes may be made to the subject invention described herein without following, or departing from the spirit and scope of, the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. Although the subject matter presented herein has been described in language specific to components used therein, it is to be understood that the subject invention is not necessarily limited to the specific components or characteristics thereof described herein; rather, the specific components and characteristics thereof are disclosed as example forms of implementing the subject invention. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all alterations, modifications, and variations, that fall within the scope and spirit of any claims that are written, or may be written, for the subject invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible mattress comprising: a primary mattress component, an upper mattress component located adjacent to the primary mattress component, a top mattress layer located adjacent to the upper mattress component; the primary mattress component having a mattress length, a mattress width, and a mattress depth; wherein the primary mattress component forms a mattress notch extending into the mattress depth, the mattress notch extending at least a portion of the mattress length and structured and disposed for providing a hinged axis about which the primary mattress component may be folded; and wherein the hinged axis allows the convertible mattress to be folded at a selected angle with limited bunching or compression of the convertible mattress.
 2. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 wherein the mattress notch is formed at an angle orthogonal to the lengthwise plane of the primary mattress component.
 3. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 wherein the mattress notch is formed at an offset angle that is non-orthogonal to the lengthwise plane of the primary mattress component.
 4. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 wherein the mattress notch is formed at a depth of approximately two inches to approximately three inches of the mattress depth.
 5. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 wherein the mattress notch is formed at a depth of approximately twenty-five percent to approximately fifty percent of the mattress depth.
 6. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 wherein the primary mattress component is selectively attachable to and detachable from the upper mattress component; and the upper mattress component is selectively attachable to and detachable from the top mattress layer.
 7. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 further comprising a mattress cover that is sized and configured for encasing the primary mattress component.
 8. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 1 further comprising a mattress cover that is sized and configured for encasing the primary mattress component, the upper mattress component, and the top mattress layer.
 9. A convertible mattress comprising: a primary mattress component, an upper mattress component located adjacent to the primary mattress component, a top mattress layer located adjacent to the upper mattress component; the primary mattress component having a mattress length, a mattress width, and a mattress depth; wherein the primary mattress component is selectively attachable to and detachable from the upper mattress component; and the upper mattress component is selectively attachable to and detachable from the top mattress layer; wherein the primary mattress component forms a mattress notch extending into the mattress depth, the mattress notch extending at least a portion of the mattress length and structured and disposed for providing a hinged axis about which the primary mattress component may be folded; and wherein the hinged axis allows the convertible mattress to be folded at a selected angle with limited bunching or compression of the convertible mattress.
 10. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 9 wherein the mattress notch is formed at an angle orthogonal to the lengthwise plane of the primary mattress component.
 11. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 9 wherein the mattress notch is formed at an offset angle that is non-orthogonal to the lengthwise plane of the primary mattress component.
 12. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 9 wherein the mattress notch is formed at a depth of approximately two inches to approximately three inches of the mattress depth.
 13. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 9 wherein the mattress notch is formed at a depth of approximately twenty-five percent to approximately fifty percent of the mattress depth.
 14. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 9 further comprising a mattress cover that is sized and configured for encasing the primary mattress component.
 15. The convertible mattress as recited in claim 9 further comprising a mattress cover that is sized and configured for encasing the primary mattress component, the upper mattress component, and the top mattress layer. 